Menstruation is a natural and universal aspect of the female experience, woven into the very fabric of holistic women’s care. For millennia, women have navigated their moon cycles, each one as unique as the divine feminine energy that guides us. Yet, while we have made strides in understanding the science behind menstruation and developing eco-friendly period products, there remains work to be done in shifting the narrative toward celebrating our cycles as a source of power, not shame.
Despite its inherent naturalness, many women still harbor negative perceptions and narratives about something as natural as breathing: our menstrual cycle. It's time to embrace menstrual rituals that connect us to the wisdom of our bodies and empower us to care for ourselves with intention.
Ancient Times: Blood is Sacred
In ancient civilizations, menstrual blood was revered as a powerful source of life. For example, in ancient Egypt, the menstrual cycle was synchronized with the lunar phases and seen as a symbol of fertility and renewal. Similarly, in ancient Greece, menstrual blood was thought to possess unique powers. Women would even spread menstrual blood on the earth to enhance fertility—honoring its role in the cycle of life.
During this time, women used non-toxic materials like linen, moss, and sand to create their own rudimentary pads. This was a time when periods were closely linked to ancestral wisdom and regarded as a time of introspection, connecting women to their self-care rituals.
The earliest records of period management suggest that women in the Stone Age (circa 30,000 – 3,000 BCE) had rudimentary pads made of leather and linen-wrapped moss and sand.
Periods in the Middle Ages: Misconceptions
Unfortunately, the reverence for menstruation did not last. The Middle Ages (5th–14th century) marked a dark era where the natural cycles of women’s bodies were met with suspicion and stigma. Menstrual blood was believed to have harmful properties, with superstitions claiming it could destroy crops or tarnish mirrors. Religious teachings turned menstruation into a symbol of impurity, with menstrual cramps viewed as divine punishment for Eve’s original sin.
Women in this era had to resort to using cloth rags, often referred to as "rags," or simply bled freely, concealing their periods to avoid shame.
The Modern Age: not so modern
Periods continued to be shrouded in secrecy well into the Modern Age (15th–19th century). However, the development of reusable period products like sanitary belts in the 1890s paved the way for more advanced menstrual hygiene solutions. These belts were uncomfortable and cumbersome, but they were an important step toward recognizing the need for dedicated period products.
By the early 20th century, during WWI, nurses began using cellulose bandages as makeshift pads, leading to the birth of the first disposable pads (Lister’s Towels by Johnson & Johnson). Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing a sustainable menstruation movement focused on reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly period products like leak-proof underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable pads.
20th Century: beginning of transformation
The 20th century witnessed a transformative period in the history of menstruation, marked by the emergence of the menstrual hygiene movement. Activists and advocates worked tirelessly to debunk myths, challenge societal taboos, and improve menstrual education. Menstrual products evolved, with the invention of tampons and in recent years, more eco-conscious and sustainable products such as menstrual cups and period underwear.
As we navigate the present and shape the future, it's essential to honor the struggles of the past, celebrate achievements, and work towards a world where menstruation is embraced without shame or barriers.
A new era of Period Wellness
Today, we at Lunam are more than just a brand. We are a movement to rewrite the period story, integrating the divine feminine with holistic women’s care. We believe in creating sustainable solutions that honor your body’s natural rhythms while respecting the environment. Our period underwear is made from non-toxic materials, designed to offer comfort and leak-proof protection without sacrificing sustainability.
But it doesn’t stop there. We’ve also developed moon-blessed aromatherapy products to align with your menstrual rituals, reconnecting you to the ancestral wisdom that once celebrated the power of the feminine cycle. By combining period wellness with self-care rituals, our goal is to empower every woman to embrace her moon cycle with confidence and reverence.
Join the Movement
At Lunam, we’re committed to supporting your journey toward sustainable menstruation and celebrating the divine feminine within you. Discover our range of eco-friendly period products and explore how our self-care rituals can help you reconnect with your menstrual cycle.
Together, let’s transform the narrative and embrace a future where menstruation is celebrated, honored, and embraced as the beautiful, natural process it truly is.
Discover our eco-conscious and sustainable period underwear and our moon-blessed aromatherapy archetype products.
Written by: Catalina Sardi